Poop, glorious POOP

Brand new babies know how to display poop, in all it's glory. From the very first weird tarry black meconium, to the mustard-yellow poop of breast-fed babies, they expose their parents to wild new adventures. For the first few weeks of his life, Graham was an effective and timely pooper, pooping after (or during) every feeding. This made for small little portions, quite manageable with a few wipes, and since we were using disposable diapers at the time, they were easily tossed into the trash.

Then Graham entered a new phase, where his poops come every other day. This makes for quite an adventure, as they're a little bit more intense. When he awakens from naps on the predestined day, I walk hesitantly into the room, sniffing the air for the sign that this will be one of "those" diaper changes.

And now for a story about poop (you knew a story was coming, didn't you?). A few weeks ago, our church, Mosaic, had an all-church service and picnic at a local Portland high school. Pat and I knew in advance that this was one of "those" days, but we were hoping Graham would save the goods for us when we got home.

We were sitting around with our friends talking about life with kids - Graham was quietly sitting in his new Chariot Cougar stroller enjoying the day ... when all of a sudden, he started to cry. I looked over, surprised to see such an quick change in temperament, and noticed some yellow ooze making it's way dangerously close to the stroller straps. Quickly I hollered - "He's christening the stroller!" I unstrapped him from the stroller in record time, and a friend was laying out his changing pad, when one of the guys across the group yelled - "It's DRIPPING!" Sure enough, right as my friend moved her hand, a little dollop of yellow mustard poop landed on the changing pad.

I tell you ... what an adventure. We all got a good laugh ... and Pat got a few horrified looks in a few minutes when Pat reached into the back of the stroller, and brought his hand out covered in a yellow pasty substance which he proceeded to clean off with his tongue! Picnics and mustard - they go hand in hand, and make for very fun poop jokes!

In conclusion, although I realize that more frequent episodes mean more wiping and rinsing of yellow nastiness, I am looking forward to Graham joining the ranks of daily poopers ... maybe the portions will be smaller!

Uncles ARE just as important as Grandparents!

I was reminded that I forgot to include reference and pictures of Andy - and his girlfriend Lauren who were also here last weekend. We enjoy our time with Andy ... Graham responds well to his soothing - maybe it's because Andy sings to him, great songs - including our family favorite, "I'm My Own Grandpa" (maybe we'll publish the lyrics here someday), and another old standard, "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice. You can see how Graham watches him with great curiosity!

Oh, and Andy, read my most recent comment to the last post ...

Fun with Family ...

Wanted to share some quick pics of our time with family over the past month. There are more on our shutterfly site (see links on the left of the blog window).

Grandmother and Granddad Bettger came into town this weekend and spent some time with Graham. They fell in love (again) immediately on arrival - Graham is just finding out how fun it is to smile, and Grandmother & Granddad loved every one. My brother Andy and his girlfriend Lauren were also coming through town for a wedding in Salem, so we got to spend some time Friday and Saturday with them.

Saturday was full of projects for Pat and Dad. We also hit the UL Employee Picnic, where Graham was an admired attendee. Sunday, we walked the Pearl District together, eating at two fun restaurants, and enjoying the boutiques and shops. At a local cooking store, I tried (unsuccessfully) to convince Pat to buy me a new knife. I have cut myself a few times while cooking in the past couple of years (not bad cuts, mind you), so Pat thinks that I will be even more dangerous with a sharp knife. I doubt it. Just imagine how much more effective I would be at cooking!

A couple of weeks ago, we spent several days in Iowa with my extended family (Uncle Ken & Aunt Pam) and my grandma Esther (Graham's Great Grandma). We also visited with Pat's family, staying with his sister Amy and brother-in-law, Jode (and their 3 month old, Ethan). Pat's parents and sister Erin & brother-in-law, Tom and their 2 year old daughter Olivia came down from Wisconsin. This was a great trip for us - excellent time with family, even though the heat and humidity were pretty intense. Graham is now an experienced flier (and we have been through the experience of flying with an infant). Thanks everyone for hosting!

Here's Granddad Tom hanging out with Graham on Friday.

This is us walking in the Pearl after eating a quick bite at Fenouil next to one of Portland's coolest community fountains.
We had an early dinner at the Deschutes Brewery restaurant. So good! We will be eating there again! There's a much shorter wait at 3:30 pm on a Sunday than the last time we tried to eat here.

Here's Graham hanging out in the back seat with the grandparents.

Here I am with my Grandma Esther (Graham's Great Grandma Esther)

Here are the new parents - Jode, Amy & Ethan, and Pat, Molly & Graham